I like the idea of mounting the detector by behind the mirror too, ..... just not sure how to get a hidden set of wires up there to power it.
Anybody done that well?
Cheers,
Jouster

 

Radar detectors?¿? Speed much?

 

I have the escort solo 3 and it's very nice...no cords and flawless operation. By far the best radar i've ever owned

 

I know some people have used an open spot in the fuse box on the passenger floor. I tapped into #38(if i remember correctly) for my amp remote wire, I'm sure the same could be done with a radar. You'd probably have to put a fuse in the line though. I used that fuse b/c it only supplied power with the ignition on and it wasn't being used for anything else. Not sure if it's the same on the Boss, but pull the fuse box cover and check the diagram on the back.

 

I don't know if you have any other radar detectors, but how is the range compared to others? I've considered that model, but I'm a little hesitant because it's battery operated.

To the OP:
The only 3 that I'd spend money on are:
1) Escort 9500 or better (Better range, lock out falses)
2.) Valentine1 (Best range, arrows)
3.) Beltronics STi Driver (Good range, undetectable)
If you spend most of your time on the open highway, I'd say V1. If you spend most of your time in the city, I'd say Escort. If you live in an area where detectors are illegal, then I'd say STi.
If the cops in your area use laser, then you'll need jammers. None of these detectors will help you against laser. Once the detector picks up a laser signal, the cop already has you.
If you want to keep your dash uncluttered, then you might want to check out the Passport iQ. It's a radar detector/GPS Navigation/red light/speed trap device.

I personally have an Escort 9500i, and I love it. I have mine hardwired up above my rearview, which makes it harder to see from the outside. Wires are ran across the top of the windshield and down the A pillar to the fuse box in the passenger footwell. I also have a speaker tucked underneath the driver's footwell, because I like to listen to my Shaker 1000 loud *all* the time. The external speaker from Escort works very well, and is easily heard over the stock Shaker 1000. I don't have any pictures, but I'll see if I can snap some soon for those interested.

The 9500i can lock out falses, which is why it comes in handy if you live in a busy area. It also has different modes which show the number and strength of signals, or your cars voltage (which comes in handy if your alternator is dying :S), or your current speed via GPS. The Escorts don't have arrows showing the direction of the signal. But after using the detector for a while, you should be able to figure out where the signal is coming from.

Best advice I can give you...Learn how to *use* a radar detector, and don't just think you can speed whenever you want because you have one. It's not a "cop detector". It only tells you who is *currently* aiming a radar in your direction. If there's no one in front of you, then the first person the cop will hit is *you* and then it's too late.

 

Yeah, bought it right after I picked up my Boss

 

I used a Beltronics Vector in my Truck for the past ten years. It saved me at least 7 times. The only time I got a speeding ticket with it, I failed to believe it... should have paid extra for the stun gun option that shoots my right leg.

I liked it so much I bought a newer version and it works great with less false alarms than the old one. VERY inexpensive compared to most of the other ones.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009SCMKY

And YES I have a need for speed!

 

Thanks for this post. That's exactly what I needed to know.
I'll try and grab a fellow Boss's Valentine1 and see how that fits behind the mirror.
I like 'clean instilations', especially since I run a Garmin on the dash to convert my 'Canadian' speedometer to 'American'. That's emough clutter for me.
Cheers,
Jouster

 

Valentine One, Escort (or Beltronics, same internals) are the ONLY way to go for detection. For jammers, I'm not that familiar with them.

As for an install, look at the Blendmount for a detector. Very clean, easy install, and combined with a hard wire and possibly a remote mute button, is a great combo. It'll clean up the interior without getting in your way. I used the Blendmount with an MSD DashHawk in my previous car and it was fantastic.

 

That's a clean looking mount and chicks dig it!

 

How's that blendmount wire in? I hate wires in the interior.

 

The Blendmount has no wires. You'll have to get an accessory wire kit, like the Invisicord. It simply mounts it to the RVM to get it at a high position and minimize reduction in visibility. Plus, it looks OEM.

 

Stupid question of the day;
I have a Passport 9500ix. Can I use the Direct Wire Power Cord, and just tap into the map lights power, rather then having to run it under the A pillar, and down to the Fuse Box. Right now, I'm plugged into the dash.
Thanks in advance...
.

 

I believe you can, you'd just have to cut the end off and identify which wires are (+) and (-) on the plug side. Finding a switched fuse should be easy. I'd personally order their hard wire kit, and save the 12V cord just to be safe.

https://www.escortradar.com/store/di...tcord-red.html

 

It looks like Blendmount has wiring kits too with fuses built in.
http://store.blendmount.com/mirrorta...fuse-p361.aspx

 

+1

I have had the same V1 for about 8 years and it has paid for itself many times over. My drive to work is on a heavily enforced 4 lane country road with only a 55 mph limit. I would say it saves me once every other week, easily. Constant-on Ka detection from a mile away with some elevation change, and with the arrows you know where it is coming from. It's no contest.

 

Their MirrorTap looks identical to the InvisiCord that's available as well. I've installed one of these in a Mazdaspeed3, and it was alright. You just lose the remote mute feature.

 

If you have $$$ to burn I'd go with the V1, obviously. However, I bought a Beltronics V955 just after bringing my Boss home and it has saved me probably five or six times so far. For the price it's a winner. Of course if I'm doing 130 no detector is going to save you...selective throttling.

 

Just to bring some closure to my original question that started this thread on which radar detector to buy, I just received a new Valentine 1 in the mail today.
I'll try it mounted on the dash for now, and may want to move to a Rear View Mirror bracket later.
Thanks for all the advice and sharing of personal experiences with radar detectors guys.
I'm not at all sure if laser jammers are in my future or not,...?
Cheers,
Jouster

 

Good choice. Are you gonna hardwire it, or just use the power cable?